Senior Research Associate/Associate Scientist

Written By Bailey Keown

Protein Sciences

We are seeking a Senior Research Associate or Associate Scientist to join our Protein Sciences team. The title is commensurate with the candidate's experience. This role is ideal for a highly skilled, motivated, and experienced lab scientist passionate about advancing a revolutionary class of protein therapeutics. The candidate will play a critical role in discovering novel de novo components, as well as characterizing and optimizing Antibody Cages (AbCs) for biological evaluation. This role requires the team member to support the day-to-day operations of the protein sciences team (reagent preparation, restocking consumables, equipment maintenance) to ensure the overall success of the team.

If you are excited to be part of a team that’s transforming the future of biologics, we want to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and what inspires you about Archon Biosciences. Let’s shape the future of medicine together.

You may reach us at contact@archon.bio or click the button below.

  • Key Responsibilities:

    • Produce hundreds of novel de novo components and assess titer, purity, and cage assembly competency

    • Characterize the assembled cages for size, purity, monodispersity, molecular weight, and stability

    • Utilize advanced python-based analytical tools to quantify key differences between antibody cages

    • Optimize bacterial and mammalian expression systems for high-yield protein production and purification

    • Execute, develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintain meticulous experimental records in an ELN (Benchling)

    • Communicate and present weekly results to the Protein Sciences and Biology groups, allowing for improved protein design and assay preparation.

  • Required Qualifications:

    • M.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, or a related field with 1-2 years of industry experience, or B.S. with 3+ years of relevant experience

    • Experienced with cloning and molecular biology techniques, including Golden Gate Assembly and next generation sequencing

    • Hands-on experience with bacterial and mammalian expression systems

    • Proficiency in biophysical characterization techniques such as FPLC, HPLC, SPR/BLI, DLS, and MALS

    • ELN and SOP tracking experience with platforms like Benchling

    • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities

    • Highly organized work ethic with excellent written and oral communication skills

    Preferred Qualifications

    • Experience with assay development and optimization on liquid handlers (Opentrons, Hamilton)

    • Bioinformatics and coding (Python)

    • Experience with bioconjugation and characterization

    • Experience with LC-MS, DSC, FFF, and light scattering techniques

  • At Archon, you will have the chance to work on science that is truly transformative.

    At Archon, we offer:  

    • A mission-driven environment where your work directly contributes to improving patient outcomes

    • Opportunities for professional growth and development within a rapidly expanding company

    • A collaborative and inclusive culture that values innovation and scientific rigor

    • Competitive compensation, including a base salary equity opportunity, and comprehensive benefits

    • Pay ranges for job titles are:

      • Senior Research Associate: $67,000-$90,000 per year

      • Associate Scientist: $90,000-$115,000 per year

    • Flexible PTO, paid parental leave, and other employee-centric policies designed to support work-life balance

    Who We Are:

    At Archon Biosciences, we are redefining what’s possible in drug development. Our groundbreaking Antibody Cage (AbC) platform—spun out of work spearheaded by Institute for Protein Design faculty out of Dr. David Baker's Nobel Prize-winning lab—combines antibodies with computationally designed proteins to create novel nanostructures that target previously undruggable diseases. AbCs, A revolutionary class of computationally designed biologics are engineered to unlock challenging pathways and better treat disease.   

    Headquartered in Seattle, WA, Archon is a fast-growing biotech company operating at the intersection of generative protein design and therapeutic innovation. We recently emerged from stealth with $20 million in seed financing led by Madrona Ventures with participation from a group of extraordinary investors. With this capital, we have assembled a team of world-class scientists and drug developers to develop the AbC technology and select development candidates set for IND. We are passionate about pushing the boundaries of medicine to improve patient outcomes.  

    Our Culture:

    Innovation, collaboration, integrity, and impact are at the heart of everything we do at Archon. We value diversity in perspective and foster an environment where curiosity and creativity thrive. Our team is united by a shared drive to achieve groundbreaking results and make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients. We want good people that do great work. If you are looking for a dynamic, fast-paced environment where your contributions matter and will have impact, Archon is the place for you.  

Bailey Keown